Fantasy football scout tips gameweek 2: Raheem Sterling, Teemu Pukki, Gylfi Sigurdsson and more

How many of our picks are in your team?

Mark Critchley
Saturday 17 August 2019 05:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Raheem Sterling

What better way to start the fantasy season than with a hat-trick? Raheem Sterling repaid the faith shown in him by around a third of managers, hitting three past West Ham.

Along with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, the Manchester City winger is arguably one of two must-have premium options and last Saturday showed why.

This weekend’s visit from Tottenham will be significantly tougher, though the sheer quality of City and Sterling make another big points haul possible.

Teemu Pukki

Concerns may be mounting over Liverpool’s recent inability to keep clean sheets, but a certain Norwich striker showed Anfield what he can do on opening night.

Last season’s top scorer in the Championship, Teemu Pukki profited from Liverpool’s slackness last Friday to add the consolation in a 4-1 defeat.

Having opened his top-flight account, Pukki will be confident of adding to his tally against Newcastle at Carrow Road.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Arsenal opened with a clean sheet at St James’ Park last weekend, despite Unai Emery making a number of surprise selections.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles was one of several young English players named in the starting line-up and can expect to keep his place with Hector Bellerin injured.

Despite struggles on the road, Arsenal kept things relatively tight at the back when at home last year and will not be too intimidated by the visit of Burnley.

James Maddison

Leicester’s host of modestly-priced midfield talent failed to deliver the goods in a goalless draw against Wolves, disappointing many fantasy managers.

But keep the faith. Next up for James Maddison, Ayoze Perez and Youri Tielemans is a trip to Chelsea, who have conceded goals for fun of late.

Maddison is our stand-out candidate this week, having been the liveliest of the three on the opening weekend.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Everton drew a blank at Selhurst Park despite being heavily backed by many fantasy managers, but a favourable run of fixtures makes their players worth sticking with.

Much of their creative work flowed through Gylfi Sigurdsson, who was among the game’s top-scoring midfielders last season.

Marco Silva’s entertain Watford, who shipped three goals at home against Brighton last time out and have posted worrying defensive numbers for a while.

Honourable mentions: Dean Henderson, John Lundstram, Lucas Digne, Pablo Fornals, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in